Eenie Meanie: Movie Review

Cast: Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman, Andy Garcia, Steve Zahn
Director: Shawn Simmons

Ready or Not's Samara Weaving stars as Edie in this heist movie.

Spinning a story that's been told in many ways before, but gifting it a beating heart in the shape of Samara Weaving, Eenie Meanie is the story of Edie (Weaving) who finds her desperate attempts to leave behind a life of bad decisions thrust upon her thwarted thanks to those around her.

After years of living on the straight and narrow with only a few bumps along the way, Edie ends up back in the orbit of John (Glusman), who brings her trouble thanks to his ability to make the wrong decisions in situations that could benefit him.

So when local gangster and Edie's former employer Nico (Garcia) threatens to have him killed unless she drives getaway for a $3million casino heist, Edie is forced into one last job to clear a debt.

Further complicated by her own family situation, Edie must fight for her future - when everything appears to be going wrong.

Eenie Meanie has a kind of punkish vibe that's endearing, with moments of unexpected comedy punctuating proceedings. First-time director Simmons keeps things on a workman-like track, which in this case is no bad thing.

A whole hour is dedicated to building a sense of backstory and connection to Edie and it works wonders with Weaving making her Edie both capable and in charge of the chaos unfolding around her. So when the eventual heist kicks off, it means you're all in and ready to go with a sense of connection that's been earned rather than thrust upon the audience.

Packing a powerful punch and a last-minute surprise, Eenie Meanie is a solidly executed film that excels when you'd least expect it and provides yet another showcase of why Weaving is one of the best of her generation - and also sadly one of the most overlooked in the context of a wider industry.

Eenie Meanie is now streaming on Disney+